Our Summary

This research paper is about the use of Virtual Surgical Planning (VSP) in pediatric craniofacial procedures. Craniofacial procedures are surgeries that correct and treat conditions related to the skull and face. VSP is a technique that uses computer technology to plan surgical procedures in a virtual environment before the actual surgery takes place.

The study looked at data from surgeries performed between 2011 and 2018. They found that the use of VSP has increased over time, from 2% in 2011 to 18.6% in 2018. The use of VSP was especially high in complex procedures like orthognathic surgery, which is surgery that corrects conditions related to the jaw, and osteocutaneous free tissue transfers, which are procedures that involve moving bone and skin from one part of the body to another.

The researchers concluded that VSP is being used more and more in pediatric craniofacial procedures. The way VSP is used can vary depending on the specific type of procedure, which shows that it can have different benefits depending on the situation.

FAQs

  1. What is Virtual Surgical Planning (VSP) in the context of pediatric craniofacial procedures?
  2. How has the use of VSP in pediatric craniofacial procedures changed over time?
  3. In which types of procedures was the use of VSP especially high?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip that a doctor might give a patient about craniofacial surgery is to discuss the possibility of using Virtual Surgical Planning (VSP) with their surgeon. VSP can help improve the accuracy and outcomes of the surgery by allowing the surgeon to plan and visualize the procedure in a virtual environment before performing it in real life. Patients should ask their surgeon about the potential benefits of using VSP for their specific procedure and how it could potentially improve their results.

Suitable For

Patients who may be recommended for craniofacial surgery include:

  1. Children with craniofacial anomalies such as cleft lip and palate, craniosynostosis, facial asymmetry, or other congenital deformities.
  2. Patients with facial trauma resulting from accidents or injuries.
  3. Individuals with craniofacial tumors or growths that require surgical removal.
  4. Patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea or other breathing difficulties related to craniofacial abnormalities.
  5. Individuals with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders that require surgical intervention.
  6. Patients with facial paralysis or other neurological conditions affecting the face.
  7. Individuals with severe dental malocclusions or jaw abnormalities that cannot be corrected with orthodontic treatment alone.

Overall, craniofacial surgery is recommended for patients who can benefit from surgical intervention to improve their facial appearance, function, and overall quality of life. The use of VSP in these procedures can help to optimize surgical outcomes, reduce operating time, and minimize potential complications.

Timeline

Before craniofacial surgery:

  1. Initial consultation with a craniofacial surgeon to discuss the patient’s condition and treatment options.
  2. Pre-surgical assessments and tests to determine the extent of the condition and plan for the surgery.
  3. Virtual Surgical Planning (VSP) is used to create a detailed surgical plan in a virtual environment.
  4. Pre-operative appointments with the surgical team to discuss the surgical plan, risks, and expectations.
  5. Anesthesia consultation to ensure the patient is healthy enough for surgery.

After craniofacial surgery:

  1. Recovery period in the hospital with monitoring by medical staff.
  2. Post-operative appointments with the surgical team to assess healing and progress.
  3. Physical therapy or rehabilitation to aid in recovery and improve function.
  4. Follow-up appointments to monitor long-term outcomes and address any complications.
  5. Psychological support for the patient and family members to cope with changes in appearance and function.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about craniofacial surgery, specifically regarding the use of Virtual Surgical Planning, include:

  1. How will Virtual Surgical Planning benefit my specific craniofacial procedure?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with using Virtual Surgical Planning?
  3. How experienced is the surgical team in using Virtual Surgical Planning for pediatric craniofacial procedures?
  4. Will Virtual Surgical Planning result in a more precise and accurate surgical outcome?
  5. How will Virtual Surgical Planning impact the recovery process after surgery?
  6. Are there any additional costs associated with using Virtual Surgical Planning?
  7. Can I see examples of previous cases where Virtual Surgical Planning was used for pediatric craniofacial procedures?
  8. How will Virtual Surgical Planning be integrated into the overall treatment plan for my condition?
  9. What alternative treatment options are available if Virtual Surgical Planning is not recommended for my case?
  10. How will follow-up care and monitoring be conducted after undergoing a craniofacial surgery using Virtual Surgical Planning?

Reference

Authors: Kalmar CL, Xu W, Zimmerman CE, Vu GH, Humphries LS, Swanson JW, Bartlett SP, Taylor JA. Journal: J Craniofac Surg. 2020 Oct;31(7):1900-1905. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000006626. PMID: 32604283